About Us

Awarua Whānau services is a Kaupapa Māori service that has been operating since 1988.
We are a sub-group of Te Runaka o Awarua, our over arching legal entity, and is one of the 18 Papatipu Runanga of Kaitahu.

Our principal service base was, up until September 2002, housed within the complex of Te Rau Aroha Marae, Bluff. Due to the growth of our service it was deemed necessary to shift the entire operations into Invercargill to our current address 190 Forth Street.
As a Charitable Trust and a Non-Government Organisation we offer services to the community, that are accessible to clients from all social and cultural groups within Murihiku, however we are primarily funded to work with Māori. Our target groups are from haputanga to Kuia and Kaumatua (elderly), offering a range of social, health and early childhood education services. The geographical area we cover encompasses all of Southland.
Awarua Whānau Services acknowledge and endorse a commitment to partnerships as expressed in the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and encourage participation and partnership in the decision-making process. Awarua Whānau Services delivers a Kaupapa Māori service that provides for Whānau well-being by supporting their:
• Social requirements
• Educational requirements
• Health requirements
We provide this service in a focused, safe and committed way.
Awarua Whānau Services Kaimahi are enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate about their mahi. We work with individuals and Whānau, to achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you have queries or would like further information about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Pae Tawhiti ~ Our Vision
Oranga Whānau
Achieving Whānau Wellbeing